Hey StuartH, No surprise unfortunately as the guys up there also were marking IP on boudering problems by scoring into the rock!!!???? Ethics not strong point aroung there.

PS. The practice is not acceptable and ws probably the result of plastic pulling varieties who only recently decided to direct their efforts to rock. A shame really as the friction at the Secret Garden is akin to Gritstone and possibly the best venue in Gauteng and surrounding areas.

I'm a bit confused-was there any visible impact from the wire brushing on the grips? I'm not against using a toothbrush to clean off some chalk.

Hey Scotsman, just wondering if it could be the same people who went to Chosspile and decided to do favours for people who can't work out a basic R.D.?-Chalk and scratch marks at the base of the routes.

The wire brushing caused a visible and physical change to the rock. It scratches the rock leaving marks. A toothbrush at worst can dust and polish the rock. The wirebrush actually removes small amounts of rock making holds bigger, easier to hold, etc.

While you there you can pick up a Hammer and set of Chisels. Or you can just buy a drill and add pockets where it is to hard.
If can't climb 8a? Find one brush, chisel and drill it till you can. Much simpler than training.